Blind Mice See Again After Cell Transplants

Korbinus writes, "Scientists have managed to restore vision in blind mice by transplanting light-sensitive cells in their eyes, cells on their way to become photoreceptors. This might be a important step towards new treatments of eye disease."

Prove it...

[Firehed]

We know this worked *how*?

"Now Petey, give us two squeeks if you can see again!"

Super vision?

[Anonymous Coward]

I wonder would this work for replacing the cones in a person's eye? Currently there are three types of cones sensitive to L-, M- and S-wavelengths of light. Colour blindness is caused by either missing or reduced function of cones. A potential fix for colour blindness? Presuming the brain is elastic enough and colour opponent neurons will kick in for missing cones.

Or add a fourth or fifth groups of cones sensitive to different wavelengths of light - UV, etc? If we can capture these extra wavelengths what will our brains do? Ignore or use?

Cultures of Photoreceptor Wannabee's

[ryeinn]

I read TFA, maybe I missed it. The question I want answered is whether they can harvest these cells once and grow them to use them many times. You can do that with stem cells. Curious if it works that way here. It seems that way but I'm not sure.

You also have to wonder about type matches. Maybe it's an incorrect analogy, but blood and organ transfusions need to be matched by type. Is the same true here? I wouldn't be surprised if it was.

Just some food for thought in a more serious vein.

Primary article?

[Anonymous Coward]

Does anyone have a link to a copy of the actual article? These articles don't provide nearly enough detail.